Narendra Modi arrives in Auckland for first official New Zealand visit

One of the world’s most high-profile leaders, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has arrived at Auckland Airport ahead of a historic one-day visit.

Before his arrival, a “well-advanced” security operation was planned with specialist police staff flown into Auckland from around the country.

Modi touched down in Auckland this evening for his first official visit, exchanging a welcome hug with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as he emerged from his Boeing 777, dubbed India One.

Modi’s awaited stop on Kiwi soil comes after his trip to Australia this week, where the nations signed an agreement to export Australian uranium to India for use in the nuclear energy industry.

More than 20,000 people welcomed Modi at Melbourne’s Docklands Stadium, ABC reported.

‘Historic event’

Modi’s arrival comes amid Government infighting over the free trade deal with India, with Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters alleging National ministers were “covertly” tightening immigration settings for Indians.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon earlier told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking Breakfast that Modi’s visit would be a “historic event”.

Luxon said formal bilateral meetings would take place tomorrow after his arrival this evening.

Then, around midday, a live forum would be held to showcase six or seven business sectors “that are of interest to India”, followed by a celebration lunch.

Modi’s visit will end with a “massive community event” on Saturday that thousands of local Kiwi Indians are expected to attend.

Luxon said Modi was interested in New Zealand’s high-tech and high-performance sport approach.

Heightened security presence

Earlier this week, police operation commander Inspector Grae Anderson said additional support from specialist groups was being deployed, including public order teams from across the country.

“These specialist resources will be able to assist with supporter crowds or any other disruptions that may occur.”

Anderson said, given the stature of the visit, the public should expect some disruptions to parts of the city.

Global Risk Consulting Group managing director Chris Kumeroa said authorities kept public security plans broad, so people weren’t able to search for “vulnerabilities”.

The former NZSAS trooper said they could also use a “show of force” to demonstrate a physical security presence and manage risks.

‘Taking my guns to please Modi’

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki made incendiary social media comments last month, accusing Modi of targeting Indian Christians with threats and violence.

He later called for “Modi’s visit to be banned and for the India-NZ FTA to be torpedoed”.

“I think we should reciprocate in kind. Let’s purge New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims,” Tamaki said.

“And, while we’re at it, if they’re burning churches down, why don’t we burn mosques and their temples down? Tit for tat.”

Tamaki was served a “temporary firearms licence suspension notice” last month by police and had several hunting weapons confiscated.

The police operation at Tamaki’s home followed his reference on a podcast to using a shotgun to protect his family from immigrants.

Tamaki told the Herald he was speaking figuratively.

After the seizure by police, Tamaki claimed his guns were taken because the Government and police were “bending over backwards” ahead of Modi’s visit.

In a Facebook post, Tamaki accused the police and the Government of “taking my guns to please Modi” after an official notice from the Firearms Safety Authority on his temporary gun suspension.